Tour of East Austin’s Black music scene and food culture. Savor local flavors at Black-owned restaurants, visit the George Washington Carver Museum, and enjoy a meal at the Historic Victory Grill.

 

EXPERIENCE:

Join us for an unforgettable evening exploring the rich history of East Austin’s Black music scene while savoring local flavors as part of Black Foodways. This tour uniquely showcases the Chitlin Circuit’s legacy, tracing East Austin’s role as a hub for Black entertainment. Along the way, taste this history at Black-owned restaurants, with stops at iconic sites like the George Washington Carver Museum and Ebenezer Baptist Church, before ending the night with a delicious meal at the legendary Victory Grill’s Busy Signal restaurant.

Kick off at Community Vegan, enjoying appetizers while learning about the connections between African American foodways, entertainment, and the historic Chitlin Circuit. Next, walk to the George Washington Carver Museum for a guided tour. Dive deep into the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, African musical retentions in African American traditions, and the vibrant role of marching bands at Austin’s historically racially segregated L.C. Anderson High School.

Continue to Ebenezer Baptist Church, where you’ll uncover the pivotal role of the Black church in shaping musical styles. Learn about Virgie DeWitty Carrington, a Juilliard-trained musician who hosted Texas’s first Black gospel radio show, and explore how Black Austin gospel traditions laid the foundation for modern hits like Kanye West’s Gold Digger.

As you stroll back down East 11th Street, stop at the Rhapsody Mural, a vibrant depiction of the historic entertainment district. Discover the Black contributions that helped elevate East 11th Street, now recognized as one of the best streets in the world, taking into account the impacts of gentrification on East Austin’s Black Community.

Finally, end at the legendary Historic Victory Grill, one of the last remaining Chitlin Circuit venues, now home to Busy Signal restaurant. Enjoy a full meal and dessert while soaking in the history of this iconic venue, where Black musicians once captivated audiences from around the country. Stay for the evening, relax, and enjoy cocktails (alcoholic drinks not included) as you reflect on the musical legacy you’ve uncovered.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Savor the flavors of East Austin’s Black-owned restaurants on a food tour
Learn about the Chitlin Circuit and the Black music scene in East Austin
Enjoy a meal and dessert at the Historic Victory Grill’s Busy Signal restaurant

 

 

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